Lahore, August 20 (TNS): Punjab government under leadership of Shahbaz Sharif has brought revolution to agriculture and livestock sectors across the province.
The tireless efforts resulted in fruitful outcome as Punjab Agriculture department had improved agriculture growth rate from 0.27% to 3.46%.
Punjab government has spent Rs. 100 billion under ‘Khadam-e-Punjab Kissan Package’ since last two years.
In addition, Rs. 100 billion provided to farmers without ant interest under E-Credit scheme.
More than 5.2 million farmers benefited from subsidized fertilizers as Punjab government spent Rs. 39 billion to subsidize fertilizers to facilitate growers.
Shahbaz Sharif led government, in a historic move, spent more than Rs. 20 billion on subsidy for tube wells and electricity units to provide cheaper electricity to farmers.
The government, similarly, spent Rs. 138 million to prevent cut in the agriculture land in Pothohar region.
The government has achieved record production of wheat 27.2 million ton which is the highest in history of the country.
Punjab government also spent Rs. 13 billion to save water wastage which helped to provide more water to farmers, similarly Rs. 642 million have been spent for fertilize unsuitable land for farming.
The government also provided state of the art farming machinery at union council level.
Besides agriculture, Shahbaz Sharif led government did a lot for livestock sector in the province as 60 million animals have been vaccinated through five major campaigns.
To prevent epidemic diseases, 26,000 villages and towns have been visited by Veterinary experts.
Agriculture is a major contributor to the provincial economy, accounting for over 21 percent of its GDP, providing employment for 47 percent of its work force, and a main source of livelihood and sustenance for the poor.
About 80% of the country’s foreign exchange originates from agriculture, and Punjab contributes over 60% in this. It is a main source of raw material for several industries, especially textile, edible oil, rice husking and others.
Investment in agriculture in Punjab ensures high return, generates employment in rural areas thus curtails rural-urban migration, and can be the most effective way to reduce rural poverty.
The Punjab government has a mission to develop a science-based, vibrant and internationally linked agriculture sector that can not only meet the food security challenges but also compete in domestic as well as in international markets.
